New Zealand 45 vs Swan 45
How do the New Zealand 45 and Swan 45 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
New Zealand 45 
Swan 45 | New Zealand 45 | Swan 45 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 45.0 ft13.72 m | 45.4 ft13.83 m |
| Waterline length | 36.5 ft11.13 m | 39.6 ft12.07 m |
| Beam | 13.8 ft4.19 m | 12.8 ft3.91 m |
| Draft | 8.0 ft2.44 m | 9.2 ft2.80 m |
| Displacement | 22,000 lb9,979 kg | 21,716 lb9,850 kg |
| Ballast | 10,515 lb4,770 kg | 8,620 lb3,910 kg |
| Sail area | 900 ft²83.6 m² | 1,411 ft²131.1 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 18.34 | 29.00 |
| Displacement / Length | 202 | 156 |
| Comfort ratio | 26.5 | 27.1 |
| Capsize screening | 1.96 | 1.84 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 8.1 | 8.4 |
New Zealand 45 vs Swan 45: the short version
- The New Zealand 45 and Swan 45 are close in length (45.0 ft13.72 m vs 45.4 ft13.83 m ).
- On sail area/displacement the Swan 45 carries the more powerful rig (29.0 vs 18.3), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Swan 45 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Swan 45 rates better for offshore work (1.84 vs 1.96).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.